Detectives are searching for phone calls for a Sonoma County man arrested for alleged possession of child pornography, but they allegedly discovered another disturbing form of media — a video of the man sexually assaulting a puppy.
Now, the man faces allegations of animal and child abuse.
Jeremiah Ortega, 26, was initially arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography and was detained after a court hearing Monday, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said they then found videos of dogs in Santa Rosa two days later and reoccupied Ortega on suspicion of animal abuse, sexual assault on animals and probation.
Detectives took the dog to the Sonoma County Animal Services Department for inspection and care. Representatives of the shelter said they were unable to provide updates on the dog's condition due to ongoing criminal investigations.
Meanwhile, Ortega is charged with seven felony counts – one count of animal cruelty, with a child's lustful behavior with force and fear, three counts of conduct against a child and one count of child pornography. He was arraigned Friday and is scheduled to enter his guilty plea on May 2.
His bail was initially set at $27,000 and has since raised $77,000 under new charges. He is still being detained in the main adult custody in Sonoma County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ortega was previously arrested for suspected drunk driving and later failed to defend because of a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more, according to court records.
Court records show Ortega has not been charged with three misdemeanor counts in 2023.
